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A BIO-INNOVATION SECTOR

The Kelp Blue web conference also shone the
spotlight on an array of entrepreneurs linked to the
seaweed sector, all sharing the same philosophy. The
tulip grower John Huiberts confirmed that kelp is an
effective biostimulant. The founder of Algiknit, a com-
pany which makes clothing fibres from kelp, demons-
trated the more sustainable options for the textile in-
dustry. Finally, innovative kelp-based packaging was
presented by the creator of NotPla. The conference
emphasised the sustainability of kelp farming, whose
products create a circular economy by limiting emis-
sions throughout the production chain. On a major
scale, this natural carbon trap could play an impor-
tant role in the fight against climate change.

Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is one
of the fastest growing organisms in the
DID world. It can grow 60 cm in one day, and
reach more than 40 metres in height.
YOU An achievement made possible by
KNOW? photosynthesis, which converts and stores
large amounts of carbon dioxide in various
parts of the seaweed.

“The promise of kelp and its ecosystem
services must be better quantified to
accelerate the growth of its farming.
IN By developing it on a major scale, the
goal is to help mitigate climate change
SIGHT and create sustainable products which
are less harmful for the environment.
The Kelp Forest foundation was created
to carry out this research and share it”,

Daniel Hooft,
director and co-founder of Kelp Blue.

© Ethan Daniels